The visitors dominated after quarter-time to prevail 15.16 (106) to 8.12 (60) in an impressive performance that lifts them to a 6-2 record for the season.
Franklin had a day out for the Hawks, finishing with six goals to take his career tally past 400, adding 28 disposals and nine marks in a virtuoso display.
Luke Hodge, Grant Birchall and Liam Shiels were also prominent for Hawthorn.
The Sydney Swans had dominated recent matches between the two sides at the SCG, winning 10 of the past 11 dating back to 1996, with the lone defeat a 17-point loss in round 19, 2003.
But it was a tight opening, with the teams sharing the opening six goals before a McGlynn goal after the quarter-time siren gave the home side a 4.1 (25) to 3.2 (20) edge.
Hawthorn then dominated the second term but failed to capitalise, with a Hodge goal in the third minute of the term putting the visitors in front before they reeled off five straight behinds.
The Swans were smashed 15-8 in inside 50s and managed just three behinds in the second quarter, but they were still well in touch at the main break, trailing 4.8 (32) to 4.4 (28).
Hawthorn took full advantage of their superiority in a sensational third quarter however, kicking seven goals to two to march to a match-winning 36-point lead at the last change.
Influential players
With six goals, 28 possessions and nine marks, Buddy Franklin was the star of the show, although he had plenty of willing Hawthorn helpers. Liam Shiels (24 possessions, 10 tackles), Grant Birchall (30 possessions) and Luke Hodge (23 possessions, two goals) all starred for the visitors.
What it means
There have been plenty of question marks over the Hawks’ true standing in 2011, but the simple fact is they are up to third place with a strong 6-2 record as they target a return to the top four at season’s end.
What the coach said
Alastair Clarkson: "We're rapt because this hasn't been a happy hunting ground for the Hawks for quite some time. Certainly not in the time that I've been coaching the club have we won up here. We'd have been happy with a one-point victory but to actually control the game in the second half was really pleasing."
Magic moment
Having failed to take advantage of their dominance in the second term, Hawthorn kicked three straight early in the second half before producing the play of the game. It started with Jarryd Roughead winning the tap to Luke Hodge. A series of neat handpasses between Hodge, Shaun Burgoyne and Jordan Lewis ended up with the ball in Hodge’s hands as he charged into the forward 50m. He kicked truly on the run as the Hawks opened up a 28-point lead.
Toyota AFL Dream Team highlight
Hawthorn: Six goals, nine marks and a host of possessions gave Franklin 140 Dream Team points, with teammate Liam Shiels not far behind on 131 points.
Next four:
Hawthorn: The Hawks face the Western Bulldogs, Fremantle and Geelong in Melbourne over the next three weeks, before heading to Carrara to play the Gold Coast in Round 13.
Match Details
Sydney Swans 4.1 4.4 6.8 8.12 (60)
Hawthorn 3.2 4.8 11.14 15.16 (106)
GOALS
Sydney Swans: McGlynn 3, Shaw, McVeigh, Malceski, Everitt, Jetta Hawthorn: Franklin 6, Hodge 2, Roughead, Osborne, Burgoyne, Bateman, Shiels, Rioli, Breust
BEST
Sydney Swans: Goodes, Richards, McGlynn, Hannebery, Malceski, Grundy
Hawthorn: Franklin, Hodge, Rioli, Burgoyne, Birchall, Shiels
INJURIES
Sydney Swans: nil
Hawthorn: Max Bailey (head knock)
SUBSTITUTES
Sydney Swans: Lewis Jetta replaced by Luke Parker in the third quarter
Hawthorn: Max Bailey replaced by Luke Breust in the fourth quarter
Umpires: Chamberlain, Meredith, Mollison
Official crowd: 33,136 at SCG
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily of the club
